Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho has turned down a proposed move to AS Roma, opting instead to hold out for stronger offers from Europe’s elite leagues.
The 25-year-old Englishman, who remains outside Ruben Amorim’s first-team plans at Old Trafford, featured in United’s so-called ‘bomb squad’ alongside players like Tyrell Malacia, Antony, and Alejandro Garnacho.
Sancho spent the previous season on loan at Chelsea, where he contributed five goals and 10 assists across 41 appearances. His efforts helped the Blues secure the Europa Conference League title and a fourth-place finish in the Premier League, earning Champions League qualification.
Despite showing improvement during his time at Stamford Bridge, Sancho failed to convince Chelsea to trigger their 25 million pounds obligation-to-buy clause. The London club instead paid United a five million pounds penalty to avoid the permanent transfer.
With Sancho seeking a fresh start, AS Roma emerged as frontrunners, agreeing an initial loan with United that included a conditional 20 million pounds obligation to buy. However, negotiations stalled over personal terms, with Sancho reluctant to reduce his 250,000 pounds-per-week wages.
Romano revealed the latest developments in a series of posts on X, stating: “Jadon Sancho, currently not accepting AS Roma proposal and not even in talks with Besiktas now.” He added that United were “ready to accept” Roma’s 20 million pounds bid, but “no agreement” was reached on Sancho’s salary.
In a follow-up, Romano confirmed: “Sancho’s agent also informed AS Roma of their decision not to accept the proposal. Sancho wants to consider other clubs’ proposals and AS Roma will now look at different options.”
Besiktas have also expressed keen interest in Sancho, viewing him as a marquee addition for the Turkish Super Lig. The Istanbul giants are prepared to match United’s 20 million pounds valuation and have indicated willingness to cover his approximately eight million euros annual salary, per reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Romano noted that Besiktas “called two weeks ago” to discuss terms, but “no fresh contacts” have occurred since, leaving the deal “in stand-by.”
Sancho has no intention of moving to Turkey at this stage, though he might revisit the option if no better suitors emerge before the regular transfer window closes on September 1. Turkey’s market remains open until September 12, often providing a lifeline for players in limbo, as seen with Victor Osimhen last summer.
Sources have indicated Sancho showed greater flexibility on wages during earlier discussions with Juventus compared to Roma. The Italian heavyweights, along with Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid, continue to monitor the situation closely.
Juventus can offer higher wages and the prestige Sancho craves, while Dortmund hold a special place for him, his stellar first spell there prompted United’s 73 million pounds investment in July 2021.
Recent updates suggest Inter Milan and clubs from Saudi Arabia have joined the watchlist, keeping tabs on Sancho’s availability as the window winds down.
United, eager to resolve his future “ASAP,” hope similar 20 million pounds proposals follow, but Sancho remains convinced better opportunities await in Europe’s top five leagues.
